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CVE Record

CVE-2018-5848: In the function wmi_set_ie(), the length validation code does not handle unsigned integer overflow properly.

In the function wmi_set_ie(), the length validation code does not handle unsigned integer overflow properly. As a result, a large value of the 'ie_len' argument can cause a buffer overflow in all Android releases from CAF (Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, QRD Android) using the Linux Kernel.

UnknownCVSS not scoredNot KEV-listedUpdated
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Glexia's TakeAutomated analysisunknown

Security readout for executives and security teams

Plain-English summary

CVE-2018-5848 is a kernel-level buffer overflow risk in Qualcomm CAF Android-derived releases. A bad size check can be bypassed by a very large input length. The source bundle does not provide CVSS, privilege requirements, impact scope, or confirmed exploitation, so urgency depends on whether affected CAF-based kernels exist in your fleet.

Executive priority

Prioritize discovery first. This is potentially serious where affected Qualcomm CAF kernels are deployed, but the provided evidence lacks CVSS, confirmed exploitation, and complete remediation detail.

Technical view

The issue is in wmi_set_ie(), where unsigned integer overflow in length validation can allow a large ie_len value to trigger a buffer overflow. Sources identify all Android releases from CAF using the Linux kernel for Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, and QRD Android as affected.

Likely exposure

Exposure is most likely in devices or products using Qualcomm CAF Android kernel code, especially Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, or QRD Android derivatives. Standard enterprise servers are not clearly affected by the supplied affected-product data.

Exploitation context

The bundle does not cite public exploitation, proof-of-concept availability, or CISA KEV listing. Treat exploitability details as incomplete. The kernel buffer-overflow nature makes affected embedded or mobile platforms worth prioritizing for vendor patch verification.

Researcher notes

Key unknowns are trigger context, required privileges, reachable attack surface, and exact fixed commits. Do not assume remote exploitability from the source bundle alone. Use vendor bulletins and downstream kernel changelogs to map exact affected builds.

Mitigation direction

  • Identify Qualcomm CAF Android kernel usage across mobile, embedded, and downstream device builds.
  • Review vendor advisories from Qualcomm/Code Aurora and applicable OS vendors for fixed kernel packages.
  • Apply relevant security updates from device, kernel, or distribution maintainers.
  • For unsupported devices, assess replacement, isolation, or compensating controls with the vendor.

Validation and detection

  • Check kernel provenance for CAF Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, or QRD Android code.
  • Confirm installed kernel package or firmware version against vendor security advisories.
  • Verify security update records include CVE-2018-5848 or the corresponding vendor bulletin.
  • Document any affected unsupported devices and their business owner.
Prepared
Confidence
medium
Sources
9

Public sources used

Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.

Potential ATT&CK relevance

Conservative CVE-to-ATT&CK context

These mappings and lookup hints may be relevant to the vulnerability behavior, CWE, affected product, or exposure path. Glexia-inferred context is not an official MITRE, ATT&CK, CWE, or CVE Program mapping.

ATT&CK lookup starting points

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CVE-2018-5848 mapping review

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Vulnerability profileCVE Program record
Severity
Unknown
CVSS
Not scored
Known Exploited
No
Published
Official CVE source material

CNA and ADP enrichment extracted from CVE v5

These fields come from the CVE record and ADP containers, not from Glexia's Take. They preserve time-varying source decisions such as CISA SSVC, KEV status, CVSS metrics, and provider references.

0CVSS vectors
0Timeline events
0ADP providers
8Source links

CVSS and timeline data

No CVSS vectors or timeline events were available in the normalized CVE source material.

Source materials

Affected products

Products and packages named in the record

VendorProductVersion / packageStatus
Qualcomm, Inc.Android for MSM, Firefox OS for MSM, QRD AndroidAll Android releases from CAF using the Linux kernelListed
Weakness

CWE details

No CWE listed

CWE links open Glexia weakness intelligence pages with official CWE context, developer remediation guidance, and related CVE mappings.